Residence Time Distribution (RTD) Applications in Continuous Casting Tundish: A Review and New Perspectives

The continuous casting tundish is a very important metallurgical reactor in continuous casting production. The flow characteristics of tundishes are usually evaluated by residence time distribution (RTD) curves. At present, the analysis model of RTD curves still has limitations. In this study, we reviewed RTD curve analysis models of the single flow and multi-flow tundish. We compared the mixing model and modified combination model for RTD curves of single flow tundish. At the same time, multi-strand tundish flow characteristics analysis models for RTD curves were analyzed. Based on the RTD curves obtained from a tundish water experiment, the applicability of various models is discussed, providing a reference for the selection of RTD analysis models. Finally, we proposed a flow characteristics analysis of multi-strand tundish based on a cumulative time distribution curve (F-curve). The F-curve and intensity curve can be used to analyze and compare the flow characteristics of multi-strand tundishes. The modified dead zone calculation method is also more reasonable. This method provides a new perspective for the study of multi-strand tundishes or other reactor flow characteristics analysis models.